National Reputations
 

I was thinking about what I know about different chapters at different schools, and while most orgs. have both weak and strong chapters (I know my own is an example of this), there are some I can think of where this does not seem to be the case. For example, XYZ seems to be strong on almost every campus. On the other hand, DEF seems to be weak everywhere. I am not going to name the groups, as I would get flamed shamelessly, but does anyone else see a similar pattern?

Off-hand, I can think of 2 groups that I think of as always being strong, and 2 that I think of as always being weak. There are also a few that come to mind that seem to be right in the middle, neither good nor bad, on every campus.

Yes.

Yeah, totally.

I also see that sometimes the "weak" chapters of organization in the overall scheme of that organization, can also be considered strong chapters on that campus, and strong chapters of an organization can be considered weak on that campus. I don't know which is scarier.

It all depends on how the national evaluates its chapters. If it's completely dependent on things like grades, following program, financial strength etc, it's completely possible that a chapter the national thinks is wonderful will be the joke of the campus. I think this is more true of fraternities than sororities (since sororities have quota/total).

That brings up a question. What criteria would you think deems a chapter successful? A chapter that meets quota or is always at total, or a chapter that is very involved or has good grades.

From my experience there is a particular chapter who's nationals put a heavy emphasis on making quota every year. However, if I had to put that national in a category (weak or strong), it would probably have to be weak.

Hmmm... I don't really know much about weak orgs vs. strong orgs... to be honest, most of them seem pretty strong! I've heard of almost every single "traditional" organization (meaning NPC and NIC and a few NPHC) before I got here... although now I am learning more about multicultural and newer orgs.

I do see strength in certain regions though. There's only one other Alpha Phi chapter in Florida, and I don't think there's any in surrounding states. (Makes me sad, I'd like to go visit some other nearby chapters.) But every single midwest school that my friends go to have an Alpha Phi chapter there. Heck, my grandma sent me a congrats card when I was initiated because she went to UNL and had lots of respect for the chapter there.

As for chapter quality, I think it comes with making quota or being at total as well as retention rate. Retention rate could include girls who transfer or quit school, because it does bring numbers down, but at the same time I'm not really sure that's fair, because graduating seniors bring down numbers as well. One of my sisters stayed for so long at Florida Tech because of Alpha Phi, and that was it. She finally dropped out mid-semester and while we were sad to be losing a great active sister, we knew she'd be much happier back home in Vermont.

I've seen a version of this - when the National organization recognizes the stronger chapters, and depends on them to always take quota, etc. They (National) can then spend more time being supportive where they are needed.

honeychile

Re: National Reputations
 

With most of these groups having so many chapters, could it possibly be related to your own experience? I'd find it hard to believe that someone couldn't find a weak XYZ, or a very strong DEF.

I do think that the trend may reflect the effort that the National organization puts in to presenting itself. While I was in college, a group that was considered 'weaker' got an enormous amount of support from their National HQ--*several* advisers during rush. The energy and support from National got them quota and total that year; something they hadn't done before.

There was one WPC chapter, in particular, on my campus that always won all the awards, got the cutest girls, usually had the most members, wore the nicest clothes, and had the best rush parties (and still do). Practically everywhere else in the state, they were considered to be one of the lesser chapters. A girl who was a legacy came through and got into that chapter, while her mother was *shocked* that this particular chapter was this good. The mother's own chapter at her school had been shut down years ago due to low numbers, or whatever. Nationally, this sorority is considered to be one of the top, and this particular chapter constantly wins national awards. It's just interesting how a few hundred miles can change a chapter so drastically.

I don't think any one measure can adequately reflect chapter strength. It's a combination of numbers, retention, grades, intra-campus competitions like Greek Week, willingness of other chapters to mix with them, philanthropy hours, lack of hazing, etc. On my campus that is fairly well rated by the annual President's Cup competition.

I think the point about national strength is a good one. When your chapter is in trouble (something fixable like numbers), what resources can they bring to help you? If you need money for a house, can they give you a grant, loan or nothing? Any one chapter of any GLO may be weak or strong, and every GLO has some weak or strong chapters. But a strong national can prevent strong chapters from becoming weak and help weaker chapters strengthen themselves.

And no, it isn't just size or money at the national level - it's also the organization, values and commitment of the alumnae groups. Look how fast some of the new orgs like ONE and Phi Sigma Rho are growing, without 100 years of alums or huge endowments.

For those of us "seasoned" greek alums, I think you'll also notice that this perception changes over time.

For example, two sororities at a local campus - over a period of five years, switched places at the "top" and "bottom" of the hierarchy (numbers, quality, "social attributes" (for lack of a better term))...and it was quite interesting seeing how each was perceived and talked about amongst other greeks over a longer period of time than most collegians get to experience. It was almost comical.

Unfortunately, this is all "stereotyping"...

I can't think of any "national" overall reputations that are necessarily "weak" or "strong", with one exception, because I unfortunately see one particular GLO's name in the headlines quite often, from various campuses, all regarding hazing and risk management incidents. Not that this organization is "weak", but they sure seem to make headlines a lot more often statistically speaking than any other. (And, NO, I will not mention their name, even by PM, to keep ugly rumors from starting)....

I don't agree with this one. When I was in college, I always assumed that certain sororities were either weak everywhere or strong everywhere but once I graduated and had the opportunity to learn more about greek life at other schools I was amazed to find that it was not the case at all.

When you think about it, though, that shouldn't be surprising.

This is very interesting to think about. At the school I attended as an undergrad, the so-called "weakest" chapter was actually a wonderful group of women. They had the best grades on campus, the strongest sisterhood (very few members dropping out, very little internal drama, etc.), wonderful alum support, visible National support, almost 100% participation in inter-Greek activities (Greek Week, Bachelor Auction, etc.), and for many years, the only sorority with a house, but nonetheless, their rush results were the lowest by far...only 3 or 4 new members while other groups were getting 20-25. They had the reputation of bidding everyone, and they were often the brunt of jokes. It was sad because they were super friendly and SO involved on campus. I have never been able to figure this out. It seems that they had most of the criteria covered. I heard they are growing now, and I really hope that's true!

I feel like hter are always exceptions to the rules, but the way National gives an org support can and does make a difference in the chapter.
To be a maverick and name names, I have never seen a weak Tri-Delt chapter.

Who is really to say what is strong and what is "weak"?
What standards are being used?